Walter Donald "Don" Baxter, 79, left his pain behind and passed peacefully on October 3, 2024.  He served 23 years in the United States Army and was a Master Sergeant upon retiring in 1991.  He received several military awards including the Army Service Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, U.S. Army Recruiter Badge with two gold stars, Meritorious Service Medals, Army Achievement Medals, Army Commendation Medal and others.  His last active duty was in Ft. Campbell Kentucky.  Don was well liked in the Army, unless you didn't do your job.  His fellow NCO's even got together once and awarded him a plaque themselves with the words, "A personality like yours is hard to find…We will always remember you for the 0600 formation".

Don was definitely a morning person and thought the day was wasted if you started your day later than 5:30 a.m.  His family traveled with him during much of his military career including two tours in Germany, where he enjoyed going castle hunting with his family, CB Jamborees, bowling on leagues, and playing cards.

Don loved sports and was a definite fan of Tennessee Vols.  You could get him talking if you started off by saying, "Did you see the game?".  After retirement, he and his wife enjoyed many years of traveling to camp at military bases in their RV with their 3 chihuahuas.  He was an avid storyteller when you got him warmed up, and had many stories and jokes that he would tell throughout the years to entertain both kids and adults.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 40 years, Wilma Jean "Jeanie" Baxter, and his parents, Jimmie and Flora Baxter of Bradley County, Tennessee.

Don was the caring father of Tina Adell Feltman (Wendell), and Walter Donald "Donnie" Baxter Jr. (LeAnn); six grandchildren, Amara Hale (Alex), Derek Terrell, Julianna Baxter, Cassy Baxter, Liah Baxter, Tristan Baxter; two step grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, and four step-great-grandchildren.

He will be deeply missed by all.

Don will be laid to rest in Chattanooga National Cemetery on Monday, October 7, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. with full military honors.

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